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Alyssum for Borders

Posted by jdmj CO (My Page) on
Sat, Feb 23, 13 at 22:54

I'm trying to decide which alyssum would be best for a border.
The 2 I am trying to decide between are Carpet of snow and Snow crystals. I want plants that remain low and have an abundance of flowers. Does anyone have experience with one or both of these and which would you recommend?


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Alyssum for Borders

I think that you will be well satisfied with either. I've only had experience with Carpet...it's always been one of my all time favorite plants. It performs best in the full sun, staying compact and mounded and covered with flowers.

It is a true Brassica, however, and doesn't much care for long stretches of heat but sure is tolerant to cold. In the south, it is best used as a winter annual. Alyssum is lightly fragrant, and highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

I hope someone has had experience with both.


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RE: Alyssum for Borders

The ones with a strong scent are my favorites. Echo what Rhizo says, they don't tolerate heat very well. I've had them in the ground since last fall and will be removing them soon, replacing with dwarf marigolds.


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RE: Alyssum for Borders

  • Posted by mxk3 z5b/6 MI (My Page) on
    Sun, Feb 24, 13 at 12:21

I love the scent of Alyssum but don't bother with them because they poop out on me -- can't take the heat, even in my zone.


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RE: Alyssum for Borders

  • Posted by jdmj none (My Page) on
    Sun, Feb 24, 13 at 13:58

Well we live in Denver were it gets very hot and alyssum do very well but I find that they some varieties get leggy. They do need a good trimming about once a season. We are in Palm Desert for the winter and there are wonderful borders of them all over but no one can tell me the variety.


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RE: Alyssum for Borders

Any alyssum I ever plant here is completely eaten up by flea beetles.


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RE: Alyssum for Borders

I have both of these planted in the same area. They were both planted at the same time this past September:

Carpet of Snow:

 photo 862915_10200774085543951_1113593192_n_zps6433fe03.jpg

Snow Crystals

 photo 862974_10200774088504025_2015154669_n_zpseb642431.jpg

Hope this give you an idea of what to expect "in the wild," as I find that catalog and website photos don't tell the whole story.


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RE: Alyssum for Borders

  • Posted by gerris2 Zone 7a Delaware (My Page) on
    Sun, Mar 10, 13 at 7:26

I sow whichever packets go on sale. I plant them as companion plants in my morning glory containers. The nectar and pollen from their small flowers attract beneficial insects which in turn reduce any population of aphids or mites I may have on the MG leaves.

Nice photos, Shear.


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RE: Alyssum for Borders

Thanks!

:)


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